Browsing Archive June, 2012

The BELVA BLCAM1 is a universal rear view back up camera that uses a metal chrome license plate that is capable of enduring various types of weather conditions. Commonly, many backup license plate frames that are being sold are made of plastic material. With a metal chrome frame not only does this allow the plate frame to tolerate different atmospheres better, but it also puts a better look to your vehicle than a plastic frame.

With a 170 degree angle lens, the BELVA BLCAM1 allows the driver to get a wide view of the surrounding area behind them, unlike other models that may still have some blind spots that are not visible during use. The camera itself is vertically adjustable and can be attuned between 0 to 45 degrees depending on the drivers preference.

A few other cool specs about this specific license plate frame is that the image sensor provides a full color image to the user with a video output signal from RCA composite cables, and the camera also provides night vision for the driver in order to provide a great visual image to the driver during any time of the day.

Whether you are interested in purchasing this for safety reasons, getting a little lazy to turn around while backing up, or simply just to add another cool feature to your vehicle the BELVA BLCAM1 is definitely a product that you may want to look into getting.

Today marks the 5th anniversary of the release of the iPhone and the day smartphones changed forever. Whether you own an iPhone or not, it’s impossible to deny the affect it has had on the world. Over 250 million units have been sold since it’s inception in 2007. In honor of this milestone, I have created a list of the top 5 must-have iPhone accessories that are both innovative and not too heavy on the wallet.

Kogeto Dot

Kogeto Dot

Have you ever been taking a video on your iPhone and couldn’t fit everything that you wanted too? This is a problem of the past with the Kogeto Dot! This panoramic video add-on conveniently attaches to your iPhone 4/4S giving your video a 360 degree lens shot. The attached lens is lightweight, durable, and can fit in the palm of your hand. The Free LOOKER app is available in the app store in order to integrate the panoramic lens. No longer will your videos be dull and 2D!

i.Fuzen HP-1

i.Fuzen HP-1

For all you music lovers out there, this accessory is especially for you! The i.Fuzen HP-1 is a headphone amplifier, splitter and an extended, rechargeable battery all in one. It will double your battery life while allowing you to play your favorite tunes with you and a friend. With full USB pass through capability, this case will allow you to sync flawlessly with iTunes without the need to remove the iPhone. The sleek and low-profile design makes this accessory one that you cant pass up.

Viper VSM200

Viper VSM200

If you own a Viper alarm/remote start on your vehicle, then it is possible for you to use your iPhone to remote start or lock and unlock your vehicle with the Viper VSM200. Simply integrate this with your existing Viper alarms system and have the ability to control features from your iPhone such as trunk release, panic, car finder, and so much more. You even get into the SmartStart Motor Club which is a Free 24/7/365 roadside assistance that is included with all SmartStart Secure service plans. How can you pass that up?

Scosche freeKEY

Scosche freeKEY

One of the possible short-comings of the iPhone is the small, touchscreen keyboard. If you’re the kind of person who needs to get a lot of writing done, then the Scosche freeKEY is exactly what you need. This flexible, water resistant bluetooth keyboard creates a perfect writing surface for long durations of typing. It is easy to roll up and tuck away allowing it to be used seamlessly on the go. It includes a retractable cord for further convenience and the compact design makes it easy to use anywhere.

Kicker IK501

Kicker iK501

Last but certainly not least, the Kicker iK501 is the ultimate iPhone/iPod docking system. It features two 5″ speaker with two separate 3/4″ tweeters. Not only that but it features a 6″ square subwoofer on the back. I’ve had the liberty of hearing this system in person and trust me it will not disappoint. It plays low frequencies like no ones business and mid and high frequencies that are elegantly present. Also, it has RCA stereo outputs and an auxiliary jack making it a very versatile unit. What more could you ask for?!

The future is certainly bright for the iPhone and pretty soon they’ll have apps that whiten teeth and perform lasik eye surgery. Until then, these accessories are the next best thing!

Once the unanimous titan of general consumer electronics, and a pioneer in personal music players with the introduction of the Walkman, Sony is a company that grew accustomed to being at the top. Since its glory days, Sony has endured great hardship in virtually every sector of the consumer electronic market including headphones. Completely flanked by competition from marketing giants like Beats Audio, Monster, and a slew of other game-changers, Sony has all but been forgotten. Yet, for a company that has not turned a profit since 2008, Sony is still kicking and unleashing what is of late their most impressive effort to recapture the ears of audiophiles.

With the release of the XBA series in-ear headphones, Sony reminds consumers of the innovation and quality that defined the brand not long ago.

XBA Micro Balanced Armature Technology:

Of course, Sony did not invent the balanced armature driver. In fact, it has been around for many years now and has been deployed by various reputable companies such as Westone. But what sets the XBA series apart from the rest of the balanced armature in-ear headphones is that Sony has developed its very own collection of drivers specifically tuned for music reproduction. Unlike others who get their drivers from nondescript balanced armature suppliers, Sony has employed the expertise of their own technology development core to create the XBA 1, XBA 2, XBA 3, and XBA 4.

The number attached to each of the XBA suffix signifies the number of specially crafted micro-balanced armatures built into the respective in-ear headphone, with the XBA featuring one balanced armature driver and the XBA 4 equipped with four. Now, if the XBA series were just packed with a bunch of drivers, this development would be quite unimpressive. But as mentioned earlier, these balanced armature drive units have been tuned to specific frequencies and, wherever there is more than one driver, a passive crossover system ensures that each driver reproduces the sounds it is best tuned to handle.

Borrowing the most detailed of the collection as an example, the XBA 4 features four balanced armature drive units: one full range driver, one tweeter, one woofer, and one super woofer. With virtually every audible frequency range separated and individually performed by a specialized unit, each frequency range sound separate and clear. Do not expect to find any muddling of bass and mid frequencies with the XBA series. Moreover, because of the passive crossover, the XBA infuse true and perceptible depth to the soundstage for a reproduction that is simply astoundingly convincing.

XBA Noise Cancelling:

Smallest Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphone in the World

Yet another impressive technological design innovation in the Sony XBA series is the excellent integration of noise cancellation. As of September 15th, 2011 the XBA-NC85D became the smallest and lightest noise cancelling in-ear headphones in the world. Because of the incredibly small size of the micro-balanced armature design, Sony has been able to integrate the DNC noise cancelling components and rechargeable battery directly into the sound chamber. Unlike every other noise-cancelling in ear headphone on the market that generally have the DNC noise cancelling processors encased in a “wand” that is connected to the wires leading to the chambers, the XBA-NC85D are just as compact as any other in-ear headphone on the market.

Endowed with a single Sony micro-balanced armature, the XBA-NC85D performs with excellent clarity and fidelity. Offering similar sound characteristics to the standard XBA series, these do not skimp on sound quality in any way.

Will the Phoenix Rise?

Certainly, Sony’s woes as a once-mighty technology giant will not be solved by these remarkably well crafted in-ear monitors. Nonetheless, while they are still around, Sony has definitely flexed their muscle and challenged skeptical audiophiles to reexamine the viability of Sony products. For one, I am completely impressed by the quality of these in-ear monitors and are, beyond a doubt, on my list of most important headphone releases of 2012.

Want it all but your budget doesn’t agree? Well Sony has done it again, folks. For a very agreeable price, you can have your cake and eat it too. Put this stereo in your vehicle and you will find tons of features that make driving more fun.

Downright Mean

If control is your thing, and your kid doesn’t listen… get them one of these bad boys and they’ll be stuck putting their iPhone in the handy “tunes tray”. Say goodbye to texting and driving and say hello to high quality audio integration for your son or daughter. The tunes tray accepts iPods and iPhones, and displays your music library in such an intuitive way that it makes selecting songs a breeze. In total there are two USB ports to ensure you are always connected.

Dual USB Input Connections

Tune Tray Integrates Apple Devices

Intuitive Music Library Searching

A Plethora of Necessities

Wireless remote? Check. Detachable face plate? Got it. Sony has thought of everything with this budget friendly beast. For the audiophiles out there, you’ll have more control over the tones, dips and curves of your music than your brain has ever dreamt. Bold statement I know, but well deserving. If you love a good 7 band equalizer with a side of time alignment, than I recommend this stereo to you.

7-Band Parametric Equalizer

Time Alignment Speaker Delay

Digital Music Plus Sorts Music into Categories

Skip to The Basics

This puppy is CEA compliant, meaning this receiver is true to the power ratings that are stated. Pandora internet radio is supported with the use of an iPhone for streaming music on the fly. Four lines of text are displayed simultaneously on the display, offering more information at a single glance. Let’s not forget my personal favorite feature: three sets of 4 volts RCA outputs for adding up to three amps into your system. I like my music louder than loud, and this receiver has the specs to let me do just that.

So… It has happened once again folks. My compulsive shopping personality took over and bought another new car stereo. The Pioneer AVH-P4400BH. Why you ask? Because you can’t have last year’s model stereo now, can you? This is one of the benefits/curses about working in the car audio industry. They come out with newer and better models almost every year and you always have to have the most up-to-date and coolest car audio equipment. Now I will admit that in the past, there wasn’t always a very good reason to upgrade. Sometimes it just “looked” better (i.e. better aesthetics). I know, lame and a waste of money.

This time I don’t feel so bad. The new AVH-P4400BH comes with a host of new standard features that are more of an evolutionary mutation, rather than leap.

The last generation of this stereo, the Pioneer AVH-P4300, had the option of Bluetooth, but it was around a $200 accessory. This was out of the range of most people’s budget (mine included). Now Bluetooth 3.0 is standard with the AVH-P4400BH and it even has audio streaming.

PRO: It comes with an external microphone for talking on your cell phone and it actually
works. I ask everyone if I sound clear, because there’s nothing I hate more than when you’re talking to someone and they sound like they’re in a land far, far away. When asking a friend if it sounds good, he said “I thought you were talking into the phone.” I own a Subaru with an exhaust and I was very happy that I didn’t sound like I was sitting in the back of a jet boat. Also, the A2DP Audio streaming is reliable and sounds great.

CON: The interface for the phone could be a little more intuitive and include an “All Calls” feature instead of just “missed calls” or “dialed calls”. Another thing – stop asking me if I’m sure about what I want to do when making calls. I understand they do it for unintentionally dialed calls, and it will probably save my butt one day, but it gets kind of annoying.

HD Radio (Hybrid Digital) is a digital radio signal that carries information and vastly improved sound quality. As of 2009 over 1,900 stations broadcasting in HD and covers approximately 84% of the United States, according to iBiquity Digital corporation. So, if you’re part of that 16% that don’t have it, sorry.

PRO: I love HD Radio! It sounds as if you’re listening to an MP3 or podcast, but way better. Some people may find it a waste to include HD radio, but when you live in a big city like Los Angeles almost every radio station broadcasts in HD. I’m actually listening to radio again. Surprise, surprise.

CON: As with most aftermarket radios the reception is never as good as the OEM stereo. A lot of this also has to do with the type of antenna your vehicle has. In-window antennas are always a reception killer and so are shorty aftermarket antennas. Just warning you now.

Sonic Center Control

This is a sound processor that changes the sound staging depending on your preference. It changes it between the driver, passenger or both.

PRO: When you change it to the driver or passenger it sounds amazing for either occupant. This gives you the perception of the music coming from your head/ in front of you. This gives you a similar effect of the JBL MS8, and it comes with the stereo. The AVH-P4300DVD did come with it, but it’s a lot more accurate in in this new model.

CON: Of course it doesn’t give you all the benefits of the MS8, such as time correction, but it gives you the illusion of it without spending lots of money and install time. It is truly a great feature and gets my seal of approval.

Overall

Is the new AVH-P4400BH a truly worthy successor of the last model year AVH-4300DVD? I can give you an emphatic YES! It still comes with all the goodies such as, Pandora Radio, 2-way iPod control, 7” screen, Sirius or XM ready, steering wheel remote ready, Navigation Ready, 8-band graphic equalizer and variable color illumination. I think most people would find it an awesome alternative to the more costly units and you get Pioneer’s great build quality, reliability and the “New aesthetics” aren’t bad either. Actually they are way better. It’s like having your cake and eating it too.

So, if you’re in the market for a new headunit, I highly recommend the New AVH-P4400BH. It’s not perfection, but it is as close as you can get at the price point. Check out our website at www.sonicelectronix.com or give us a call. Even if just to say hi. We have them at a great price and you get to talk to our knowledgeable and awesome Customer Commitment Team.